A Day to Celebrate

Early yesterday morning I get a call from my Dad. He was letting me know about events that had occurred with my Papa since Sunday. Papa has started losing control over his bladder. He is in a wheelchair all the time because he is too weak to walk and his bones are so fragile. My Dad has to go over there every night to put Papa in the bed. However, it hurts for him to be touched . . . his bones hurt that badly.



I hated the thought of my energetic, happy-go-lucky Papa not being able to control his bladder function. I just know he was humiliated. I hated the thought of my Grandmama and my Dad and my 2 aunts having to be there to slowly watch, day-by-day, hour-by-hour, minute-by-minute for this cancer monster to overtake my Papa's sweet body.



On the way to Alec's band practice yesterday I had this overwhelming urge to call my Grandmama and just tell her I loved her and was praying for her. She told me they were actually at the hospital. Papa was gasping for air and his blood pressure was very low.



I prayed . . . earnestly . . . all day long a simple prayer, "Lord, please take him home." As I cooked dinner yesterday I put on a CD of hymns and talked with the Lord just asking him to relieve my Papa of his suffering.



As I drifted off to sleep I continued praying, "Lord, please take him home."



God answered my prayer. My Papa had the joy and privilege of meeting Jesus face to face last night. I found this out at 4:15 this morning. My Dad knows I'm up at 4:00 and I can just imagine him waiting for me to wake up so he could tell me. He's very upset. This is the 4th time in my whole life I've ever heard/seen my Dad shed tears. Please pray for him. I told my Grandmama this morning this will either make him change for the better or the worse. I'm praying God will soften his heart and my Dad will see the sin in his life and his need for Jesus.



Please also pray for my aunts and my Grandmama. I spoke with Grandmama this morning. She just wants us all to be together. The thing is I refuse to mourn his death. I, however, WILL celebrate his life. I will not wear black to the funeral or funeral home . . . only bright happy colors. I will consistently remind everyone of where he is now. I couldn't imagine or even bear the thought of him being in hell being tormented for all of eternity. I know with absolute assurance he is with Jesus . . . it is not just a coping mechanism. The Bible tells us that Christians will be known for their fruit. . . and fruit was so very evident in my Papa's life.

I can't help but wonder after he saw Jesus and worshiped Him, what did he do next . . . who did he see first? What crowns or rewards did he receive and when or has he received them yet? I haven't lost anyone close to me as an adult . . . with that being said, my imagination just runs a little wild . . . wondering . . . .


Ash outwardly took it the hardest of all the kids. The child is so much like me . . . very verbal with her emotions (both good and bad). She went and got a snow globe Grandmama and Papa gave her last year for Christmas. She is carrying it around with her now. Alec cried a little bit and said, "He was always so happy." Hanna hid her tears. I know this because I saw her wet little face with tears, yet they had gone from her eyes. I explained to them Papa had received the prize.


I love you Papa. You will live in my heart forever. One day I will see you again. I praise Jesus and thank Him for that hope. You will be greatly missed.